King urges world to help address Mideast challengesSun Valley, Idaho, 13 July 2013

His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday urged the international community to help the Middle East overcome challenges to its security and stability, including the stalemate in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

Participating in a seminar in the annual Sun Valley Economic Forum, held in the state of Idaho, King Abdullah noted that the deadlocked peace process between Palestinians and Israelis and the continuation of the Syrian conflict and its consequences on the region are most prominent challenges threatening peace and stability.

His Majesty stressed the centrality of the Palestinian issue. He said the Mideast conflict lies at the heart of the struggle in the region, reiterating the need to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution that ultimately leads to an independent and viable Palestinian state within the 1967 lines, living in peace and security side-by-side with Israel.

The King voiced Jordan’s support for efforts being exerted by US Secretary of State John Kerry to remove obstacles hindering the resumption of peace talks that address all final status issues.

On Syria, His Majesty emphasised Jordan’s support for a comprehensive, political and transitional solution to the ongoing conflict, noting the burdens on resource-scarce Jordan as a result of hosting more than 550,000 Syrian refugees.

On domestic affairs, the King underlined that Jordan is moving ahead with its comprehensive reform process at the political, economic and social levels and is also working on improving its investment environment to attract more Arab and foreign businessmen and help them utilise the Kingdom’s strategic location and its global partnerships and relations.On the sidelines of the forum, His Majesty held over the past two days meetings with several political, economic, social and academic figures over regional developments and world affairs.

The King held talks with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on bilateral ties and regional and international affairs.

The Sun Valley Economic Forum has been held in the state of Idaho in July since 1983, with the participation of global political and business leaders, who convene to discuss economic and political challenges.